Revisit - What are the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism?

Revisit - What are the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight March 20, 2026 Duration: 18:35

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 134 - Revisit - What are the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism? Does Buddhism have an afterlife? Does Buddhism have a bible like Christianity?

Resources:

Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide

Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism

Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism

Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika)

Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.

Lopez, Donald S., Jr. Elaborations on Emptiness: Uses of the Heart Sutra. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1996.

Stearns, Cyrus. The Buddha from Dolpo: A Study of the Life and Thought of the Tibetan Master Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1999.

Streng, Frederick. Emptiness: A Study in Religious Meaning. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1967.

Robert E Buswell: Encyclopedia of Buddhism: Death, Mark L. Blum. Nirvana, Luis O. Gómez. Samsara, Bryan J. Cuevas

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Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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